Planning your first day of school outfit is something to take weeks planning, endless amount of racks searching, and hunting for deals like a hawk. Doing this from your closet at home is one thing, but packing up your entire closet to school and having to figure it out from there? Come on, its not too hard right? There are a few staple trends this fall to follow and here I’ll make them simple, pointing out the dos and don’ts and even where you can find them! Starting with apparel:
Coats/Jackets:
Do: Make sure they hit the right spots on your body. Ex. Cropped jackets hit your waist, pea coats hit your mid-thigh.
Don’t: Guess your size, most are supposed to fit well, not too baggy or too tight.
Where to find it: Denim Moto at Gap, Blazer by Asos, Combat Jacket by Urban Outfitters
Sweaters:
Do: Stick with similar colors.
Don’t: Mix too many prints together.
Where to find it: Chunky by Free People, Colorblock by Old Navy, Knit by Forever 21, Knit Cardigan or Knit Cardigan by Nordstrom, Cardigan by Urban Outfitters (my fall FAVE!)
Playful Jeans:
Do: Ensure they fit well or how they are designed to fit.
Don’t: Let them be just a placeholder, the bottoms can be the star of the outfit too!
Where to find it: Printed Skinny Jeans by Forever 21, Polka Dot Jeans by Old Navy, Floral Printed Jeans by Gap, Coated Skinny Jeans by Gap
Denim on Denim:
Do: Keep things form fitting.
Don’t: Wear same wash of denim on denim. Mix it up, add printed denim, keep things different.
Where to find it: Chambray Top by American Eagle, Destructed Skinny Jeans by American Eagle, Boyfriend Jeans by Gap, Chambray Top by Forever 21, Polka Dot Chambray Top by PacSun
Accessories (purses, shoes, etc.):
Sneakers (Hightop and Graphic):
Do: Walk with confidence no matter what shoes you rock.
Don’t: Stack the graphic print or wear heavy bottoms with hightop heeled sneaks.
Where to find it: Graphic Sneakers by Keds, Sneaker Wedges by BooHoo, Floral Hightops by Forever 21
Pumps and Heels:
Do: Let them be noticed. Ankle strapped shoes and pointy pumps deserve to be seen! Wear cropped pants to show them off.
Don’t: Don’t wear wide-leg pants with these shoes.
Where to find it: Ankle Strap Heels by Free People, Ankle Strap Heel by Zara, Pointy Pumps by Asos
Crossbody and Luggage Bags:
Do: Opt for classic shaped luggage bags with a wild design.
Don’t: Be afraid to test out different clutches all day.
Where to find it: Crossbody by Wet Seal, Luggage Bag by Sole Society
Collars:
Do: Find detachable collars to save money.
Don’t: Worry about looking too trendy, stick to plain tops and knits.
Where to find it: Floral Embellished by Asos, Peter Pan Collar by ModCloth
Statement Jewelry:
Do: Let one piece complete your outfit.
Don’t: Be overbearing and pile too many pieces on.
Where to find: Ring, Necklace, Earrings, Ring, Necklace, Ring by Nordstrom
Other trends:
Wine Colors:
Do: Mix with autumnal brights and neutrals.
Don’t: Pick a shade that isn’t right for your skin tone. Ex, brick red looks good on warm skin tones and plums look great on cool tones.
Color Blocking:
Do: Add black to make the color work in the cold weather.
Don’t: Stack too many pieces together.
Patterns:
Do: Wear print-free items with it to max the trend impact!
Don’t: Forget the shoes!
Punk Style:
Do: Mix it up once and a while; leather and floral/feminine pieces are too cute too!
Don’t: Be afraid of vinyl, chain, stud, spikes, and leather. Sometimes it’s fun to play rocker chick.
The best advice I’ll ever give about fashion trends is to rock it in your own way. Trends can get predicted each season, every year, but the only way for you to really make it yours is to mix your personal style with it. Whether it’s adding a preppy striped button up underneath a green combat jacket or wearing black and white striped jeans with a pink blouse, it’s your own. That’s how you’ll look your best, regardless of the trend. Enjoy the weather while you can! Fall fashion is great but there’s just something about the breezy hot summer. Mix the two together to rock the in between look for the first couple of weeks back.